The Holidays - Poor Food Choices, But A Happy Me

DH braved the mall yesterday in search of gifts for me and was extremely frustrated. He said that everyone these days seems to be required to wear leisure or athletic clothing everywhere, and that people needed to be waifs or overweight to find anything at all. All he wanted was to find me one nice blouse, and he was more than frustrated. 

I suspect DH was looking for something similar
to this blouse. Pretty and a bit silky. But finding
anything between an XS and a plus size this close
to the holidays is almost impossible, as he found out. 

My own day was also frustrating. A friend of Chickie's was hit by a car as she stepped off a curb into traffic on Wednesday, struck her head hard on the pavement, and never regained consciousness. She was removed from life support late that night. Her memorial is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:00 am and Chickie wants to attend. But it's the last Saturday of shopping before Christmas, the last day we're open before the holiday, and I really can't spare her. I told her "no", and even though I feel awful about it, I don't think I can waver from that. These two weeks require all hands in the store, no wiggle room. It's hard running a store on skeleton personnel, but as with most small businesses, it's what we have to do to survive. I'm very torn on this. 

I love my once-a-year treat - Candy Cane Pie
from my local Baker's Square Restaurant. So good! 

Looking at good things, my ham and pie were successfully picked up yesterday and I had some of the ham for dinner last night. It was simply LOVELY! So very good. My credit cards are creaking, though. Bead & Button Show registration happens on the 9th of January and I'm looking at another $800 in class fees. Ouch! I'll try to take some time to review what I want for classes today and make sure that I will really get the benefit and the fun from them before committing. Whatever I choose, I'll be paying for them through the first half of the year, so I'd better be very sure! 

Our other annual holiday treat is a Honey Baked Ham.
I only buy this once a year and it's so good! I usually
give Chickie a generous portion as part of her
holiday gift, so I spread the joy (and the calories). 

So,, all in all, my Solstice turned into a nice day and I'm hoping that my year ahead will be filled with happiness, new experiences, and maybe even a new friend or two. Friends are really the best thing, at least I tend to think so. That's why I'll probably cave and let Chickie attend the memorial service even though I really need her in the shop. Priorities, you know ... 

DH makes Chex Mix once a year and it's
addicting. It becomes my breakfast, my
snack food for the day, and a munchie
at night. It's really salty, so I also
go through a lot of water. I love salt! 

Have a great Friday, get your last-minute holiday shopping done, and give your friends and loved ones an extra hug. Life is unpredictable. I'll be back tomorrow, I'd better have a strong workout today to work off some of those Chex Mix and Christmas ham calories!